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Several professional soccer matches in Mexico were postponed this weekend after violence erupted near Guadalajara, one of the country’s 2026 World Cup host cities. The move follows a military operation that cost the life of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho.”
The killing of Mexico’s most powerful drug cartel leader has plunged parts of the country into chaos, affecting civilians and prompting visiting Americans to seek to return to the United States.
Joe Haden, who played with the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, is among the Americans hoping to return home as quickly as possible.
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Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joe Haden (23) warms up before playing against the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field on December 19, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Philip G. Pavely/USA TODAY Sports)
Haden commented on the developments he noticed during his visit to Cabo during his latest appearance on his “Deebo & Joe” podcast. He also admitted he should have taken former Steelers teammate James Harrison’s warning about traveling to Mexico more seriously.
“I should have listened to you. I should have listened to you, Deebo,” Haden said in reference to Harrison’s message that emphasized caution.
“Honestly, I’m a scared little brother. I can’t even lie to you. It’s getting really tricky on this side of the world. I have to go back.” [my] feet planted on American territory. I’m not even trying to be funny, I’m a little scared. Because when we talk about a cartel, they go after the police. They’re running around airports and stuff.”
Joe Haden (23) of the Pittsburgh Steelers watches the Philadelphia Eagles during the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 12, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Haden’s appearance on the podcast was cut short as he left to finalize his travel plans back to the United States, leaving Harrison to host the remainder of the episode.
“I’m trying to book my stuff, I have a flight I can take now,” Haden said. “I really tried to get on this show to show you my face, to let you know I’m okay, but I really need to slide.”
Joe Haden (23) of the Pittsburgh Steelers stands on the sideline during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at Heinz Field on October 17, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
Haden was believed to be in Cabo San Lucas at the time the podcast was released.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said via X that the U.S. government provided intelligence support to the operation that led to the assassination of “El Mencho.”
“‘El Mencho’ was a prime target of the Mexican and U.S. governments as one of the leading fentanyl traffickers in our country,” she wrote. She praised the Mexican army for its work.
The drug lord’s killing sparked several hours of roadblocks with burning vehicles, a tactic commonly used by cartels to block military operations. Videos posted on social media showed smoke billowing from the tourist town of Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco state and panicked people running through the airport in the state capital.
Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state, is scheduled to host four matches at the 2026 World Cup, including two involving South Korea. Mexico, Spain, Uruguay and Colombia are also expected to play there.
The Mexico national team remains set to host Iceland in a friendly match on Wednesday at the Corregidora Stadium in Querétaro. As of Sunday, the Mexican football federation had not announced any changes regarding this match.
Not all sporting events were affected. Organizers of the Mexican Open in Acapulco said the ATP tournament will begin Monday at the GNP Arena as scheduled.
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